The Diocese of Jefferson City has introduced Fr. Ralph O’Donnell as their new bishop.

Father O’Donnell’s appointment by Pope Leo XIV was announced early Tuesday, Aug. 19, followed by his formal introduction at a news conference that afternoon in Jefferson City. O’Donnell is a native of Omaha and was ordained as a priest in the Archdiocese of Omaha in 1997. He has led parishes throughout Omaha during his 28-year ministry, with a stint from 2011 to 2015 at the Conception Seminary College in Northwest Missouri as its Vice Rector. O’Donnell will become the fifth Bishop of Jefferson City, succeeding the Most Rev. Shawn McKnight following McKnight’s appointment as the Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas, announced two weeks prior to the passing of Pope Francis.

Msgr. Robert Kurwicki, who has served as diocesan administrator since McKnight’s departure, said in a statement that, “We are blessed that the Holy Father has chosen [O’Donnell] to lead us” and that the appointment is, “an answer to our prayers during this Jubilee Year.”  Kurwicki added that he looks forward to working with O’Donnell as they, “continue the mission Christ has entrusted to us here in Central and Northeastern Missouri.”

The Diocese of Jefferson City covers 38 counties in central and northeast Missouri, including Benton, Chariton, Cooper, Howard, Linn, Macon, Moniteau, Morgan, Pettis, Randolph and Saline counties.